5 Reasons a Doctor May Administer an EEG

An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is one of the many ways doctors can best evaluate a patient’s possible brain health problems. In addition, because this test is noninvasive, it is one of the most preferred testing methods.

This particular test can help identify several different conditions. But there are other reasons doctors often administer this type of exam to patients.

What Is an EEG?

An EEG is a test assessing the general state of the brain. It measures the electrical activity in your brain by placing electrodes at specific spots on your head. An EEG can diagnose many conditions, including seizures and other abnormal or interruptive brain activity, as well as an array of mental illnesses and behavioral issues.

Several electrodes are attached to a patient’s scalp to conduct an EEG. These electrodes are linked to an EEG machine. This machine records the brain’s electrical signals and converts them into waves that can be seen on a computer screen.

After testing is complete, the doctor can then have a general idea of how the brain functions and whether there are any potential health problems in this area of the body.

5 Reasons a Doctor May Administer an EEG

Here are five reasons a doctor may decide to administer an EEG.

1. To diagnose seizures or epilepsy.

One of the most common reasons doctors administer an EEG is to determine whether or not a patient is having seizures or has epilepsy. Although many assume that episodes are always accompanied by loss of consciousness, it’s possible to experience an attack without losing consciousness. Some people may never even be aware that they experienced an episode or that they have epilepsy unless their doctor informs them otherwise by using a Zeto EEG headset.

2. To determine the cause of headaches.

Some patients experience headaches that can be difficult to pinpoint and somewhat perplexing. Other health conditions may cause headaches, but sometimes they can indicate a more severe brain problem. A doctor may administer an EEG to check for a specific type of brain activity that could cause headaches for patients.

It is essential to understand that an EEG is not a headache test, as a patient doesn’t have to have a headache to undergo this test. Instead, it’s just another tool that doctors use to build a better and more complete picture of the current health state of the body.

3. To help diagnose a sleep disorder.

Some types of sleep disorders are complicated to diagnose, and an EEG could help doctors determine whether patients have these issues. Sometimes, doctors feel it’s best to start with a simple test. If the patient fails this initial test, it can help doctors better determine why a patient isn’t sleeping properly and what treatment will address the underlying cause.

4. To monitor changes in brain activity.

In some cases, a doctor may want to check for changes in brain activity periodically. For example, after suffering a head injury or undergoing minor surgery, some patients experience residual issues. It’s difficult to tell if these events have caused any damage or if they are simply a part of healing afterward. An EEG can show these events’ effects and give doctors a better idea of how long their patients will need to continue with their care.

5. To evaluate the potential of an underlying condition.

Some health conditions aren’t immediately noticeable but can seriously affect the brain’s electrical activity. It may take a while before doctors discover this information, so an EEG can help. It can also reveal if the patient has any other brain conditions that need to be addressed and even provide patients with a time frame for when they may experience problems in this area of their body.

Conclusion

An EEG is one of the most efficient brain screening and evaluation methods. Not only does it provide the patient with a summary of their neurological health, but it can also find early or even silently developing problems by revealing abnormalities yet unknown to your doctor.